Patrols added in Worcester's Main South

After seeing an uptick in violent crime recently in Main South, the Police Department has brought back foot patrols.

Police Chief Gary J. Gemme said Tuesday that the foot patrols will begin today and last for about five weeks. The move comes with a $70,000 price tag, which will be funded from the department's existing budget.

“Over the past month, we're seeing an uptick in both the violent crime and the quality-of-life issue,” the chief said. “Our commitment is to stabilize the neighborhood and try to resolve some of the issues we are seeing.”

A Tactical Response Area status for Main South will remain in place and extend through next week. That designation pours several different police units into the neighborhood.

The Tactical Response Area will then be moved to other areas of the city in need of attention, with the hope the foot patrols curb the trending problems in Main South.

Two response areas are designated every week.

“We use data and statistics to identify areas where we are seeing crime and disorder and put the appropriate resources there to stabilize the area and reverse those trends,” City Manager Michael V. O'Brien said.

There have been some ongoing complaints and issues such as drug dealing, disorderly behavior and violent crimes — a stabbing and a shooting — in Main South during the past month.

Chief Gemme said officers on foot will walk in the area of Chandler and Main streets, up past the 700 Main St. area and over to the Castle Park area. After five weeks, the department will evaluate the impact.

“Hopefully we can have an impact by having those additional officers,” he said.

The Police Department had foot patrols in the Main South area from Dec. 1, 2011, to Sept. 1, 2012, with a total cost of $720,000. The program ended when the department said there wasn't enough manpower and money to keep it in place.

At the time, Mr. O'Brien offered the Main South neighborhood foot patrols when he had to temporarily locate a triage center for homeless people at the former People in Peril homeless shelter on Main Street.

District 4 City Councilor Sarai Rivera said she understands the Police Department has fewer officers than in years past and knows the city's budget constraints.

But she said Main South has had a number of new businesses open recently, alongside established shops representing a wide variety of ethnic backgrounds, selling different foods, clothes and more. She wants those businesses to flourish.

Residents and business owners continually express that safety is their biggest concern, she said.